The Senator representing Anambra Central senatorial district Distinguished Senator Uche Ekwunife has just excused herself from a parley organized by the NUJ, RATTAWU, Bring it on Africa and other notable organizations, on account of what she described as inconsistency on the part of the organizers and noncompliance of one of the discussants.

Problem started when the Member representing Anaocha, Njikoka, Dunukofia federal constituency Hon Dozie Nwankwo walked into the venue of the dialogue at Prof Dora Akunyeli Women Development Center, Awka 3 hours into the programme, as they were concluding the first round and was allowed to join the debate in flagrant disregard to the rules set by the organizers in agreement with the participants.

The APGA Candidate for Anambra Central senatorial district Hon Dozie Nwankwo was the last to arrive the venue of the dialogue amongst candidates of the 6 political parties selected, as they concluded the first out of two segments and was allowed to participate, hence the refusal of Senator Uche Ekwunife to continue with the debate, noting that the organizers have set a bad precedence in view of future engagements.

She argued vehemently that such important parley should be done the right way, which includes following the rules without according unnecessary concession to people probably considered above the law for whatever they represent or who they are.

The Senator was firm in stating that the purpose of organizing the debate cannot possibly be isolated from the urgent need to rescue Nigeria from its present narrative whereby decisions are taken in favour of perceived sacred cows, rather it should be conducted in a manner that reflects preparedness to address prevailing challenges.

“I am a lawmaker so should be able to behave like someone who is duty-bound to implement the laws that I champion its making. Continuing with this dialogue this way clearly shows that we’re not ready to fix the challenges hindering efficiency and effectiveness of our nascent democracy.

“We cannot be aspiring to represent our people in a place as sensitive as the Senate, yet we cannot obey orders and follow simple procedure like the one guiding this particular debate. If we cannot abide by the laws we make then why are we here? This is not acceptable because it is inimical to my vision for a better society” she said.

Consequently, the Anambra Central senatorial district Candidate for NNPP, Barr Helen Mbakwe who had earlier condemned the manner with which the organizers derailed from the rules of engagement equally walked out of the WDC the moment Dozie Nwankwo walked in and was allowed to join the debate after 3 hours spent on discussing their antecedents and prospects for a better constituency, which brought the first round to a commendable end. She stated that what happened at the WDC was exactly part of the problems she is poised to tackle if she eventually becomes Senator.

Obviously Mbakwe’s opinion clearly shows that the two women that participated in the dialogue were both out to right the wrongs in the Nigerian political system as she shared the views of Senator Uche Ekwunife on a lawmaker’s responsibility to make laws and ensure that the purpose of lawmaking is followed with proper checks and balances that will enable the law thrive in the interest of the people.

Senator Uche Ekwunife also questioned the validity of Chief Victor Umeh at the debate, noting that she deliberately did not want to oppose his inclusion, saying that he might have left earlier if she did.

Ekwunife described the arrangement for her to stand in a debate with an invalid candidate as improper, hence her compulsion to show the world that what Victor Umeh did constitutes a contempt of court, considering his recent disqualification by a Federal High Court sitting in Awka.

Speaking further, Senator Ekwunife made it clear that Victor Umeh ought to know as a former lawmaker that he wasn’t supposed to be part of the dialogue, a situation which she as a sitting lawmaker could not stomach for obvious reasons.

“The Federal High Court which disqualified Victor Umeh as the Candidate of Labour Party also barred him from campaigning or being seen within any campaign ground, including debates of this nature, so as a lawmaker who knows her right and responsibility, I cannot be part of such illegal arrangement.